The search for Harwich’s next permanent leader reached a milestone Monday as the Town Administrator Screening Committee announced three finalists to fill the vacancy left by the departure of the previous administration. Committee Chair Jack Mann informed the Select Board that from a pool of 34 applicants, the group unanimously recommended Jeffrey Gorman, James P. Kredler Jr., and James P. McGrael. Mann described the candidates as successful performers and well-regarded in the field, noting that interviews are scheduled for January 10. Board Member Anita Doucette offered a formal thank you to the search committee for their diligent work alongside the town’s consultant during the recruitment process.

The announcement coincided with a high-stakes presentation of the town’s FY27-FY31 Five-Year Capital Plan, which now totals approximately $61 million. Capital Outlay Committee Chair Martha Dunovan explained that the total is a significant decrease from last year’s $93 million projection, primarily because major sewer expansion costs have shifted schedules. We added dredging at $500,000 a year because the state is eliminating support, Dunovan noted, while also highlighting a shift at Saquatucket Harbor from a $10 million replacement to a $2.5 million repair project. Interim Town Manager Kevin Considine emphasized the need for a long-range sewer financial plan to coordinate with the town’s existing debt, such as the public safety building, before taking on new major borrowing. During public comment, resident John Chroy questioned the long-term utility of the town's older structures, asking, Do we really need all these old buildings? The Alborough House, the old theater—what is the long-term plan?

Harwich residents may also see higher costs at the shore this summer as Recreation Director Eric Beebe proposed the first beach fee adjustments in several years. Beebe recommended raising the resident sticker from $30 to $35 and the non-resident season pass from $150 to $175 to cover rising seasonal staffing costs and an calendar shift that adds seven work days to the season. While Member Jeffrey Handler expressed a desire to take care of the home team by potentially keeping the resident rate flat while increasing daily passes to $30, Doucette noted, I agree with what you've done, but I would reconsider the daily pass. Even at $30, it would be fine. The board will hold a formal public hearing on the hikes in early January.

In school-related business, the board reached a consensus to bypass a state-sponsored heat pump program for the elementary school that would have carried a $15 million price tag. School Business Manager Michael MacMillan explained that despite a 38% reimbursement from the MSBA, the heat pump conversion would cost the town $5 million to $7 million more over 20 years than a standard $3 million boiler replacement. Superintendent Scott Carpenter voiced concerns about being on the front end of new technology that is far more complex to maintain. Select Board Chair Donald Howell was blunt in his assessment of the state incentive, remarking, To spend an extra $7 million to get a 30% to 40% 'coupon' blows me away. The discussion also touched on the widening financial gap between the district's two member towns; resident Scott Norm presented data showing Chatham has 27 times the excess tax levy capacity of Harwich. Member Mark Kelleher warned that if a levy limit override fails in Harwich, the budget must be revised, which impacts school programs and staff.

Planning Board Chair Duncan Berry made a case for a structural overhaul of the town’s 1951 zoning bylaws, which he described as a cluji makeup of old parts. Berry proposed migrating to a form-based code that focuses on the physical character of buildings rather than just their use. We don't want to become a suburb; we want to remain a town. We need to play offense, not defense, on the character of Harwich, Berry said. Member Handler threw his full support behind the initiative, stating, I'm tired of playing defense. I think it's time for the town of Harwich to play offense.

The board also addressed several routine and administrative matters, including the certification of $3,995,105 in free cash for the upcoming fiscal year. This is a more normalized number compared to the $7 million outliers of the past, Considine reported. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the resignation of David Nali from the Board of Appeals and the minutes from December 15, 2025. Motion Passed 5-0. Kelleher thanked Nali for his service, calling him a fantastic representative for our town and a great volunteer. The board also cleared the way for a major infrastructure project by awarding a construction contract for the Route 39 and Chatham Road intersection. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve a contract with Richard F. D'Ambrosia, Inc. in the amount of $326,295.60 for the Route 39 and Chatham Road intersection project. Motion Passed 5-0.

Department heads provided year-end updates, including Town Clerk Emily Mitchell, who reminded residents that state law requires residents to return the annual census within 10 days of its January 1 arrival. She also noted that all dogs must be licensed in January. Natural Resources Director Stephanie Rydenower reported that the town's herring run remains productive, with a count of 280,000 fish this year, though drought conditions required staff to actively move boards to maintain water levels. Community Center Director Carolyn Kerry invited the public to a free spaghetti dinner on January 8, and Harwich Channel Manager Jamie Goodwin confirmed the station is back on air after a Comcast outage, urging residents, if you see the station down, do not hesitate to call or text me. Finally, Vice Chair Peter Piekarski moved several licensing renewals, including a new operator for a local eatery. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve a new common victualler license for Twisted Pizza. Motion Passed 5-0. During final reports, Member Handler requested updates on the Wah-Wah stairs project, though Considine noted the project is currently dead in the water due to bids coming in triple the expected budget.